Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Showcasing some of the Air Force’s ethnic diversity, Cannon has a number of events scheduled in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and has been observed since 1988 — a change from the previous National Hispanic Heritage Week, which had been in place since September 1968.
The observance is a month-long opportunity to celebrate the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting date of the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries — Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
In addition, Mexico declared its independence on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18.
On the first day of this month long celebration Staff Sgt. Norma Moreno, one of the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee members read a National Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation, signed by Col. Stephen Clark, 27 Special Operations Wing commander, to kick off the festivities.
Throughout the month there will be a number of events for individuals of all ages to enjoy, from paper mache and pinatas at the Child Development Center and Youth Center, to dance lessons and a Latin night where people can dance and celebrate this music-enriched culture.
For those with not just fun, but food on the mind as well, there will be a Latin fiesta lunch party and a Heritage Hispanic Month luncheon. The first is an event with music, food and prizes; the latter is an event with a guest speaker to close Cannon’s observance of the month.
“We want to make celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month fun for everyone, but even though it’s fun that doesn’t mean people don’t learn from it,” said Master Sgt. Anthony Horde, HHM committee chairman.
According to the 2007 American Community Survey, 1.1 million Hispanics are veterans of the U.S. armed forces.
Posters listing the timeline of events at Cannon honoring HHM can be found throughout the base and static displays are showcased at the Landing Zone, fitness center, library and Pecos Trail dining facility. For more information contact Horde at 784-2351.
